Comments on: Update on Notre Dame (the cathedral, not the university)

By: AesopFan

AesopFan — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 04:21:46 +0000

I am glad the Cathedral is staying traditional; it is a challenge to update with modern technology and remain true to the original vision.

For any construction and engineering geeks — you know the old saying about lifting a building and digging a new foundation – the LDS Church is doing that with the iconic Salt Lake City Temple.

https://www.ksl.com/article/46685668/heres-what-will-happen-during-the-4-year-closure-of-the-salt-lake-temple

Renovation plans for the Salt Lake Temple have been in the works for almost a decade, according to Church History Department curator Emily Utt.

In just a few weeks, those plans will finally be set in motion when the temple closes for the next four years starting Dec. 29 (2019).

The temple’s facilities will be upgraded and modernized, including seismic renovations that will help the 126-year-old building withstand a major earthquake.
…
The interior of the temple will be renovated to look more like it did when it was originally built by Utah’s pioneers who first settled the territory. The temple took 40 years for the pioneers to complete.
…
(along with many other changes to the grounds and auxiliary buildings)
…
Crews will also take about two-and-a-half years to dig down to the foundation of the temple and separate it from the earth in what is called “base isolation” — one of the most popular methods to protect buildings from earthquakes.

Scroll down for renderings of the new base isolation system.
That’s a lot of granite to hold up.
https://www.deseret.com/2019/4/19/20671309/salt-lake-temple-renovation-see-all-the-images-of-what-s-coming-in-2024

Timelapse of the work done in May and June. I love watching the hyperactive cranes in action.
https://www.ldsliving.com/Salt-Lake-Temple-Renovation/s/92250#062002

Exposing the foundation and starting the shoring up.
https://www.ldsliving.com/Salt-Lake-Temple-Renovation/s/92250#0820construction

Interiors – just because they are seldom shown.
https://mormonlifehacker.com/images-inside-the-salt-lake-temple-during-renovation/

This was the most interesting, since the subject is restoration as much as renovation.
https://www.ldsliving.com/Take-a-Photo-Walk-Through-Temple-Square-Changes-from-1855-to-Today/s/86839/?utm_source=ldsliving&utm_medium=sidebar&utm_campaign=related

By: Xylourgos

Xylourgos — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 05:40:46 +0000

As an engineer and a carpenter, I think the restorers have hit on the right balance. The use of traditional methods to build the trusses on the ground connects the present to the past as well as showing off the talents and skills of those who lived centuries before us. The lifting of the trusses to their final resting place will be done with a large crane employing the best of modern technology – I suspect.

By: Roy Nathanson

Roy Nathanson — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 02:21:24 +0000

As an engineer, I would be sorely tempted to “improve” on the original technology. For example: Fire retardant treatments to the oak members of the trusses. Obviously, the artistic integrity of the original masterpiece should be retained. But, we should not overlook some of the flaws of the original design and not try to correct them.

We we would not celebrate Renaissance Physicians by bleeding patients, would we?

By: Aggie

Aggie — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 01:14:34 +0000

Uplifting in every way – Physical, Spiritual, Artistic, and Holy – as befits such magnificence. Thank you, Neo.

By: Geofrey Britain

Geofrey Britain — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 00:31:08 +0000

What a waste of time and money. In another 20-30 years when France is Islamic, Notre Dame Cathedral will be turned into a mosque. Just as has been done with the Hagia Sophia. That is of course if it isn’t burned down again or blown up.

“One day, millions of men will leave the Southern Hemisphere to go to the Northern Hemisphere. And they will not go there as friends. Because they will go there to conquer it. And they will conquer it with their sons. The wombs of our women will give us victory.” former Algerian President Houari Boumedienne in a 1974 speech at the UN

By: Kate

Kate — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 22:02:28 +0000

Fascinating.

I have no objection to using cranes to place the roof trusses, but I am glad they decided against some of the “modernist” reconstruction ideas.

By: parker

parker — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 21:32:10 +0000

That majestic edifice must be restored.

By: j e

j e — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 20:21:13 +0000

The French, to their great credit, seem to have made excellent decisions concerning the reconstruction of this glorious edifice, although, according to most reports, the cause of the horrific blaze remains “shrouded in mystery” (in the words of artnet.com).